The Intervention Process

Drug addiction is devastating. Not only does drug use and alcohol addiction often destroy the life of the person with the disorder, but it also causes pain and chaos for their loved ones. Families, friends, co-workers and more, all suffer alongside the individual with the alcohol use disorder (AUD)or substance use disorder (SUD) — and with good reason. It’s incredibly painful to sit by and watch someone you love suffer, especially when it comes to addiction.

Many people mistakenly think that the person with the AUD or SUD doesn’t have enough willpower or doesn’t care enough to stop. In actuality, addiction is a chronic brain disease. The struggle to get well is a reflection of a form of mental illness rather than someone’s resistance to change. Sadly, when it comes to addiction—whether to alcohol, drugs, or a process addiction like gambling—most people will be unable to stop on their own. Sometimes a drug intervention is helpful to get the person treatment.

What Is An Intervention?

Different approaches can be used to help someone get addiction treatment. One of these is to hold or stage an intervention. This drug intervention process can be performed by family, friends, or a drug intervention team or counselor. Oftentimes, families or close friends of a person with an addiction problem will want to know how to do an intervention for a friend or family member.

An intervention is a strategically and carefully planned process in which family and friends of a person with an AUD or SUD, along with a professional interventionist, meet together with that individual and try to convince them to seek professional treatment for their problem. In addition, a drug intervention counselor or specialist is often present to help effectively guide the process.

How To Do An Intervention

Whether doing an intervention for a friend or family member the steps and process are much the same. The drug intervention process can be emotional for everyone involved. That’s one reason it’s essential to create a plan for the day of the intervention and stick to it. Emotions can run high during a drug, or any, intervention. When the process is understood and planned strategically, it is easier to stay the course despite the distractions that may arise. This is also why having a third party such as a drug intervention counselor present can be helpful.

It’s important to understand that one of the goals of the intervention is to express the families’ concern to the loved one struggling with addiction and show compassion and care. Often, people confronted about their addiction can become angry, hurt, and feel betrayed. For this reason, it’s vital for anyone participating in an intervention to show they care and aren’t trying to hurt or betray them.

The first step is to form a plan. Get all of the information available about the individual’s drug or alcohol use. Then, decide on who will be part of the drug intervention process. Once this has been decided, the next step is to prepare to meet with the loved one in need. All participants should decide on a time, place, and date for the drug addiction intervention.

Often, it is suggested for the family, friends, and loved ones to write a letter to the person with the AUD or SUD. Again, it’s paramount that the letter shows love and concern. Sometimes when people have an intervention but they don’t understand how to do an intervention effectively, they are negative and judgmental, and even threatening to the person. This simply doesn’t work and can drive the individual even further away from getting the help they need.

At the intervention, the letters are read or the family members and friends tell the person how they feel, expressing their love and concern. For example, “I love you with all of my heart but I am worried about you.” In addition, intervention professionals often recommend providing examples of the behaviors that hurt or concern you. For example, a child of the person with the problem may say, “I was so embarrassed when you showed up visibly drunk at my soccer game, being loud and obnoxious..”

Once the loved ones and family members have shared their letters or concerns during the intervention, they need to tell the person what the consequences will be if they don’t get help. For example, the child could say that they don’t want the parent coming to any more of their games unless they get help. This part of the drug intervention process can be a difficult one; but, it’s essential. It’s crucial to stick to these.

The group should then ask the person to get professional help or go for an evaluation. It’s vital there is a plan in place so that if the loved one is willing to accept the help they can go right away or as soon as possible after the intervention. This is another reason having a drug intervention specialist or interventionist present is helpful. If the person agrees, then those are the next steps, however, if they don’t, it doesn’t mean it didn’t work. Often, the seed is planted and the person will reach out for help at a later date. Remember, come to the person with love and concern, not anger and judgment.

At Caron, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to recover from alcohol or drug abuse and any co-occurring mental health issues. Our Regional Resource Directors are well-versed in specialized treatment options different areas have to offer including drug intervention specialists. In addition, our clinical experts, our knowledge of local and national professional resources, and our years of experience enable us to not only perform thorough evaluations but also provide a comprehensive continuum of care to meet each of our client’s unique treatment needs and facilitate the recovery process.

If your loved one (or you) needs help to stop drinking or using drugs, Caron is here for you. At Caron treatment facilities, we are Real About Recovery. Call us day or night at 800-854-6023. Our treatment centers are staffed with addiction professionals who lead support groups and develop treatment plans that create real positive change. We’re only one call away.